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Major Fire Hits Koder House, Fort Kochi Heritage Building

Officials suspect an electrical short after firefighters contained the blaze, a loss that could endanger the site’s Indo‑Portuguese, Jewish‑era fabric.

Overview

  • A fire broke out in the upper floors of Koder House and spread through parts of the three‑storey building before fire crews brought the blaze under control.
  • Fire and Rescue Services from Mattancherry and nearby stations responded and officials reported no casualties in initial accounts.
  • Police and local officials said a short circuit is the suspected cause, though a formal inquiry into the origin of the fire has not been completed.
  • Reports conflict on the scale of damage with some outlets saying the building was gutted while authorities have not yet released a full, official assessment.
  • Koder House dates to the 19th/early 20th century and its damage raises wider concerns for Fort Kochi’s heritage conservation and the local tourism economy as officials begin damage evaluation and investigations.